Voters sick of Victorian games

John Elliott says the political wrangling will not force an early vote and the election will proceed in November.
Photo: Shannon Morris

by
Patrick Durkin, Tom Cowie and Lucille Keen

Melbourne’s elite, including John ­Elliott, Harold Mitchell and Jeff ­Kennett, say voters’ patience has run out.

Public frustration boiled over on talkback radio and Twitter over the stalemate that has paralysed ­government in Victoria.

Media buyer
Harold Mitchell
said the public were fed up with the ­“shenanigans" on both sides of politics.

“My own personal view is I would like it to settle and press on with an election so people can assess both sides and decide and let that winning party get on with governing for the next four years," the ­self-made multi-millionaire said.

He said while the broader public were largely tuned out, there was ­frustration about all the noise and ­confusion over state politics.

“Politics and political life is not high on the agenda of the average Victorian even though the reporting in the press might make it appear so.

“They are concerned about the antics without ­knowing all the details."

Former premier
Jeff Kennett
described the current political ­wrangling as “a yawn".

“People are sick of Geoff ­Shaw. ­Napthine has to stand up for what he believes in, he has to follow through," Mr Morgan said.

Former Labor premier
John Cain
told the ABC the political ­manoeuvring put pressure on Mr ­Napthine to call an early election.

“Unless you have the authority of the job, you are nothing. Those in the game know that Denis Napthine has lost his authority," Mr Cain said.

But putting on his political hat, Mr Kennett said the Labor Party’s ­high-stakes response to Mr Shaw’s ­declaration he will support a “no ­confidence" vote against the Napthine ­government would backfire badly.

“If [Labor leader] Daniel Andrews moves a vote of no confidence and Geoff Shaw is not with him, Daniel Andrews’ political career is over," Mr Kennett said. “What he is doing is distracting the public messages he was trying to get out as we head into the next election."

Former Liberal president
John ­Elliott
said the political wrangling would amount to nothing and the state election would proceed as expected on November 29.

“This Geoff Shaw is a lunatic. He’s gone mad," he said.

Mr Shaw lit the fuse on the so-called “constitutional crisis" on Tuesday night by declaring he will support a no ­confidence motion against the ­Napthine ­Liberal government.

“Andrews is wavering because he know he can’t form government," Mr Elliott said.